Lessons and Limits

 The scale has barely moved. By the end of my third month-long challenge, the scale is ominously consistent, neither caring nor appreciating the weeks and months, I've struggled  through meeting my goals.

 My walking partner sees a different story. She reminds me almost every time we go out that my stamina has improved, my muscles are stronger, my stride is longer, my pace is a bit faster. My clothes also tell a different story: jeans that were too tight months ago are now falling down my hips, my robe wraps a bit tighter, and my yoga pants slide on a bit easier.

I've started keeping a food log, and I can tell you that the reason that scale isn't moving is because my food choices aren't quite as dedicated as my walking. I don't condemn myself for this, I simply recognize that until my food reflects the same dedication as my walking, the scale is going to stay right where it is. That's what learning and limits looks like.

Learning to consider the value of what I eat and limiting those foods that do not contribute to my ultimate goal - a trim body - is as important as moving more and walking with purpose.

God uses our goal-setting process to teach us lessons we'll need as His children - namely that He accomplishes His best through us as we develop discipline, and much of that includes changing how we view 'I want' and 'I need'. Learning, limits, trusting, committing, continuing - small choices and changes remaking our minds, hearts, and bodies to put us in the place He has for us, the place where the next purpose unfolds and the next stage of growth begins.

Our life in Jesus is one continuous journey to holiness - to becoming like Him - and as we absorb and apply lessons of limits and consistency we will slowly begin to see positive changes. So as you reflect back on this first week,. celebrate your successes, note where you can improve, pray for God's grace, trust His promises, and create a plan that reflects what you've learned as you recommit to limits that will get you to your ultimate goal.

TODAY'S BIBLE READINGS
 
God gave David His word, He won't back out of His promise:
     One of your sons I will set on your throne;
     if your sons stay true to my covenant
     and learn to live the way I teach them,
     their sons will continue the line - always a son to sit on your throne.
Psalm 132:11-12 MSG

We're sticking to the limits of what God has set for us.
What we're hoping for is that as your lives grow in faith, you'll play a part within our expanding work. And we'll all still be within the limits God sets.
2 Corinthians 10: 13b, 16 MSG

He (Abraham) didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what He had said.
Romans 4:20-21

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